Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Beverly Malbranche, Founder and CEO of Caribbrew, located in Newark, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Caribbrew is a social impact beverage brand specializing in coffee and chocolate with beans from Haiti and other Caribbean Islands. Our core customers are specialty coffee drinkers who are passionate about making a difference.
Tell us about yourself
At 17 years old, as a freshman living abroad for the first time, it dunned on me that I must help make a difference in Haiti. Four years later, when I graduated from business school. I realized that it must be long-term and provide economic opportunities, not just a one-time donation that creates more dependency. Once I fell in love with our coffee, I realized that coffee could be it. Then I embarked on a journey to revive Haiti's coffee sector through Caribbrew.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am proud of our impact as a business. When we just started, we were purchasing from less than 100 coffee growers. Today Caribbrew currently partners with about 3000 coffee and 1000 cacao growers in Haiti and employs three local NJ employees, 2 of them are women.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
There are many, but the hardest is financing to reach your vision. I have had to deliver with very few resources, and we had to be very crafty. It's definitely one of the hardest things.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Trust your vision (be passionate about what you want to do).
- Delegate (focus on revenue generation).
- Give grace to yourself (Relax, recharge, and go back at it).
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Please support our vision and share it with your network. We are also fundraising to support our growth!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://caribbrew.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caribbrew
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caribbrew/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/caribbrew1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/caribbrew/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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